Motobi Benelli Tornado 650
Year of construction: 1970
Well-running Italian stallion
Price: Sold
The Benelli factory in Pesaro, Italy, best known for its racing four-cylinders and road-going six-cylinders, first exhibited its 650cc twin at the Milan Motor Show in 1967. However, production didn't truly begin until 1971. The new model, named 'Tornado', was hoped to capitalize on the popularity of large parallel twins in the lucrative American market.
With its 360-degree crankshaft and pushrod valve mechanism, Benelli copied its British rivals, but followed Japanese practice by using a unitary construction, with a horizontally-split crankcase and gear primary drive. Electrical provisions such as a dynamo and electric starter were introduced on the successor, the 650S.
Production of the final version - the 650S2 - ceased in 1975. The Benelli twins were designed to a higher standard than their British counterparts and were proportionately more expensive. Relatively few made their way to this environment. The Tornado was also known as Motobi, after Benelli's sister brand, as seen here.
This motorcycle is a machine for the parallel-twin connoisseur who dares to be different. This particular 650S Tornado currently has a mileage of 12,158 km (7,555 miles) and is reportedly original and unrestored. The machine comes with an original user manual.
This is a wonderful opportunity to acquire one of these rare Italian thoroughbreds.